WWE Cruiserweight Champions: Ranked From Worst To Best

When Paul London was released from his WWE contract in 2008, many wrestling fans bemoaned the fact that he hadn't been used 'properly' and was 'held back'. While that may be true to an extent, those same fans forget that he and Brian Kendrick had a record-setting WWE Tag Team Title reign and London himself had a decent Cruiserweight Title reign that was only cut short because of his own actions.

London nabbed the gold on the March 31st, 2005 episode of Smackdown when he won a battle royal. It was during this time that London changed up his image and act, springing to the ring and wearing Ultimate Warrior-esque tassels on his boots. WWE had, by all accounts, planned to give him a decent push as champion as they were impressed with his work.

Things got off to a decent enough start with London defending the title against Chavo Guerrero in a good match at Judgement Day. Unfortunately, most of his title defences took place on Smackdown, which is a shame because they were invariably good. London was genuinely exciting and worked a faster, more athletic and high-risk style than many of the others in the division (who basically wrestled like smaller heavyweights).

As discussed during an earlier entry, London's confronting Vince McMahon over the banning of certain moves is what did him in, with the chairman then ordering London to drop the belt to Nunzio on Velocity and cut a series of whiny promos in the following weeks, momentarily turning him heel.

Given a little longer and with a few more high-profile defences, London's reign could have been one of the best ever. As it is, at least he temporarily reinvigorated a stagnating division and provided genuine excitement.